Why I Left
We don’t talk about resignations enough!In the throes of the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, a seismic shift occurred in workplaces worldwide. 1 in 4 people decided to embark on a journey of profound change, leaving their jobs behind. The catalyst for this mass exodus led to the birth of Why I Left, a podcast that chronicles real stories from real people about why they left their jobs and insights from the lessons they learned.At the epicenter of the Great Resignation, we unearth the untold stories, the whispers of uncertainty, and the bold decisions that defined a generation. While our roots are entwined with the resignations spurred by the pandemic, our narrative goes beyond that moment in time. Why I Left is an evolving chronicle inviting you to explore the most impactful career moves of individuals, whenever they may have occurred.Join host, Brian Aquart, on a journey through tales of triumph, resilience, and self-discovery. Each episode is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth, showcasing the beauty of self-actualization amid the challenges of the professional landscape. Why I Left isn’t just a podcast; it’s a sanctuary for those yearning for empowerment and inspiration. Whether you’re navigating the echoes of the pandemic or embarking on your own journey, our stories are here to guide you. The mic is yours, the stories are real, and the possibilities are endless. Embark on a listening experience that goes beyond the resignation letter – join us and discover the transformative power of career choices!
Episodes
Brian sits down with Chase Sterling, U.S. Army veteran, founder of Wellbeing Think Tank, and Principal Consultant at HHP Cultures. Chase shares her inspiring journey from overcoming adversity in her youth to thriving as a workplace wellbeing expert. Discover how Chases own experiences with chronic pain and career pivots fueled her mission to build...
In this powerful episode of Why I Left, Brian Aquart sits down with Zhou Fang, Founder of Intersectional Group and host of the Intersection Podcast. Zhou shares her journey from immigrant tech professional to social justice entrepreneur, highlighting the role of intersectionality in equity and inclusion work. Discover how her lived experiences ins...
Brian sits down with Danielle Perlin-Good, the Soul-Aligned Ghostwriter. Danielle shares her powerful journey from being laid off at the Chicago Tribune to launching a thriving business helping leaders, executives, and visionaries craft authentic, lasting legacies through ghostwritten books. Discover how intuition, spiritual storytelling, and real...
Brian Aquart welcomes Walt Morgan, a retired Navy helicopter pilot turned leadership coach. Walt shares his inspiring journey from the cockpit to the classroom and the corporate world, diving into the emotional realities of military separation and the profound identity shift vets often face. Discover Walts unique insights on resilience, adaptabili...
Dr. Makini Chisolm-Straker visits Brian to share her powerful career journey from emergency medicine physician to national leader in public policy and reparations. Shes driven by a passion for systemic justice and community well-being. Hear how her experiences in healthcare, research, and a prestigious White House fellowship led her to champion eq...
Brian Aquart welcomes Diane Forster, award-winning TV host, coach, and founder of I Have Today. Diane shares her inspiring journey from a 32-year ad sales career to becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur helping women reinvent themselves, especially in their second chapter of life. Discover how Diane overcame personal struggles, embraced bold change, ...
Brian sits down with Myrto Legakileadership and well-being consultant, global keynote speaker, and founder of One Breath Mindfulness Center. Myrto shares her powerful journey from executive burnout to helping leaders and teams at global giants like Google and Microsoft flourish through neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness practices.
Brian dives into the fast-paced world of sports management and brand partnerships with Nathaniel Cooke, a seasoned strategist known for his impactful work with Rucker Park, the NBA, and USA Flag. Nathaniel shares his journey from a communications grad hustling for opportunity, to brokering major deals with brands like Adidas, Lids, and the New Yor...
Brian sits down with Coonoor Behal, innovation strategist, CEO of Mindhatch, and author of I Quit: The Life-Affirming Joy of Giving Up. Together, they challenge the stigma around quitting, exploring how intentional endings can spark fulfillment and growth, both professionally and personally.
In this episode of Why I Left, host Brian Aquart sits down with Cynthia Pong, award-winning executive coach, author, and founder of Embrace Change. Cynthia shares her journey from burned out public defender to empowering women of color and nonbinary professionals to claim their worth in the workplace. Discover how Cynthia...
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In this powerful episode of Why I Left, Brian Aquart sits down with Judy Weber, former trial lawyer, C-suite executive, and powerhouse Christian business coach. Discover how Judy left a toxic work environment and trusted her faith to launch a highly succes...
Brian Aquart sits down with Michael Dermer, a healthcare pioneer and serial entrepreneur, to explore his transformative journey from a high-stakes legal career to founding the industry-shaping company, IncentOne. Michael shares how he navigated one of the toughest economic crises in recent history, turning potential devastation into a groundbreaki...
Brian sits down with Rachel Franco, a learning and organizational development leader. Rachel shares her journey from a marketing executive to a change-maker in organizational innovation. Discover how she courageously left a toxic work environment without a backup plan and navigated significant career transitions. Rachel discusses the critical role...
Brian delves into the journey of Elena Agaragimova, a driving force in talent development and leadership. From academia to entrepreneurship, Elena shares how her career pivots have shaped her unique approach to unlocking human potential. Explore her insights into cultural dynamics across 14 countries, the evolving expectations in talent acquisitio...
In the Season 4 debut of "Why I Left," I had the pleasure of speaking with Timm Chiusano, a former high-powered marketing and branding executive who made the bold decision to leave his corporate role after over a decade at a major telecommunications company. Timm's journey is a compelling narrative of self-reflection, clarity, and the pursuit of p...
New season. New stories. Same powerful mission.
Why I Left is BACK with Season 4, and were diving even deeper into the real stories behind career transitions. From bold leaps of faith to unexpected pivots, our guests are redefining success on their own termsand sharing exactly how they did it.
This seas...
In the Season 3 finale of Why I Left, Brian Aquart sits down with Maurice Philogene, an investor, entrepreneur, coach, and philanthropist with a remarkable story. Maurice defied his parents' conventional money blueprint, leaving behind stable careers at Accenture and the police department during the pandemic.
Discover how his journey of financial freedom through real estate, travels to over 100 countries, and impactf...
Brian welcomes TJ Murphy, Owner/Partner, Hite Digital and host of the Adventurous Entrepreneurs podcast. Discover TJ's journey from a corporate job to traveling through Asia and ultimately founding his own marketing agency in Bend, Oregon. Learn the secrets to his success as a solopreneur, including the power of community building, mentorship, and a positive mindset. TJ shares invaluable marketing tips for small business owne...
Brian welcomes Natalie Serebrennik, founder of Natalie Serebrennik Coaching and Consulting. Natalie shares her journey from a 16-year capital markets career to becoming a career coach. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of self-advocacy, and how the pandemic led her to reevaluate her professional life.
Natalie emphasizes career planning, confident communication, and the pivotal moment that spar...
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